How to shop more sustainably: A footwear guide
Despite every good intention, it's no secret that the idea of building a wardrobe filled with sustainable fashion is a daunting one. Yet, shopping sustainably doesn't have to limit your footwear choices. It's all about finding those long lasting styles you can wear now and rediscover later.
Curbing the desire to impulse buy is no easy task, especially when faced with so many new and interesting trends, trust us, we understand! But not to worry, you can still indulge every now and again, in fact, it's encouraged! Simply follow these three easy steps beforehand to guarantee sustainable purchases.
Find your personal style
Knowing what you like and how to style it isn’t always easy. Many of us struggle to pinpoint a standout look that makes us feel comfortable and confident. It’s not a bad thing! Fashion is all about trying new things. It’s all about collecting pieces you love and can play around with. After all, creating new looks inspired by older styles is what fashion is all about.
Shopping from your own wardrobe first before turning to the internet is a great way to redefine your personal style. After reassessing, you’ll soon find that the footwear you love can be repurposed throughout the year.
To declutter your wardrobe, we highly recommend ridding yourself of those old footwear styles that no longer bring you joy or serve your overall look. Yet, instead of simply throwing them away, consider how they can be recycled.
If in good quality, reselling them online is a great way to make some extra money while acting sustainably. There are plenty of reputable sites to choose from. Facebook marketplace, Vintage and Ebay are all easy-to-use selling platforms you may want to investigate.
Top Tip: If you're constantly in the cycle of buying new pairs every month, it may be because you haven't yet defined your personal style. Apps like Pinterest are helpful in this respect. When next in need of a new item, you'll already have a good idea of what you want, meaning that you’ll be shopping smartly, and with a purpose.
Shop less, buy better
How many of us have caught ourselves complaining about having no clothes while starring at a full wardrobe? In an online world of convenient last-minute shopping, impulse buying is on the rise. Yet knowing how to be a conscious shopper is less about avoiding the impulse, and more about buying smarter. Our advice? Give yourself 48 hours to truly think about whether you really want something before adding to your basket. Revisit the Pinterest page you so carefully created. Will it add something to your wardrobe? Is it a style you can repurpose?
The great thing about quality footwear is that when treated well, it will last, meaning that it will save you money in the long run. However, this isn’t to say that throwing caution to the wind and buying a pair on a whim is the right thing to do. Creating a capsule wardrobe, full of wear again essentials of loved and high-quality items you can mix, and match, is all about planning ahead.
Been invited to a wedding? Events are the perfect occasion for smart shopping. When planning your outfit, research comfortable and quality footwear you could wear again with a new outfit. For example, there are plenty of formal heels and sandals that can be dressed down too. Don’t believe us? Check out our favourites.
Top Tip: When shopping for capsule staples, stick to one or two colours that suit your skintone. These interchangeable styles can be paired with an occasional trend-piece to bring diversity to your wardrobe.
Do your research
Taking the time to research brands before investing in your wardrobe, is a great way to shop more sustainably. Understanding unique features and quality levels, helps customers avoid impulse buying, while ensuring that they get the best value for money.
For example, here at Gabor Shoes UK, we pride ourselves on our long-lasting footwear styles, offering recycled soles with many of our products. Made with rubber residues, this feature ensures that production waste is recycled, in turn, saving and repurposing resources.
Our leather also comes from certified tanneries with the highest standards of environmentally friendly and sustainable leather production. Choosing to shop with environmentally conscious brands that are active in their approach is a great way to ensure sustainability.
Top Tip: Brands will always be happy to answer any questions you have, so don't be afraid to reach out to them. It's always better to be confident in your purchase to avoid any future dissatisfaction.
You see? Shopping sustainably is easy. All it takes is a bit of window shopping pre-purchase and who doesn't love that?
Don't forget to tag us on your photos on social media by using #DoMoreWithGabor. We would love to see it!
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